In a move that has stirred widespread outcry, the Kenya Kwanza Government has decided to terminate the acclaimed Linda Mama Programme, leaving Kenyans deeply concerned about the fate of maternal healthcare in the country.
What is the Linda Mama Programme
Linda Mama Programme, a flagship initiative, had been pivotal in granting citizens access to Free Maternal Services. Additionally, the programme facilitated registration through various channels, including mobile phones, the NHIF registration portal, contracted healthcare providers, NHIF service centres, and Huduma centres across the nation.
Eligibility was straightforward, requiring pregnant women aged 18 and above to register using their national identification cards and antenatal care records. For those under 18, guardians’ identification cards were accepted, while those without proper identification could register using their antenatal care records.
However, the removal of the Programme has struck a nerve among Kenyans, who fear a regression in maternal and child health services.
Kenyans react to the news
Dr Austin Omondi lamented the decision, labelling it as “the biggest blow to maternal care in Kenya’s history.”
Others, like @carienimwa, directed a plea to the government, urging them not to overlook the vital role Linda Mama played in safeguarding women’s health.
Nakhumicha_S, a gynaecologist with experience in public hospitals, emphasized the critical importance of Linda Mama, citing it as a “saviour” in preventing maternal and perinatal mortalities.
Meanwhile, @Osama_otero raised questions about the silence surrounding the issue, pointing out the lack of advocacy from prominent figures, including the First Lady and women representatives.
Also, @brian_mutiga said: So Linda Mama was scrapped the day after President Ruto promised women a deputy president position. Bwana Make it make sense. Mike Sonko should be bold & courageous enough to tell us what his best friends are smoking in the statehouse.
Finally, the termination of Linda Mama Programme poses a significant setback in Kenya’s journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and raises concerns about the government’s commitment to prioritizing maternal and child health. As Kenyans voice their discontent, the fate of maternal healthcare hangs in the balance, awaiting swift and decisive action from authorities.
